US Bridges

KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · 1.8 MI E of JCT Ky 1410 · Structure no. 067B00058N

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
676
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 676 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 676 by 2039. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-7
CrossesBeaverdam Branch
Location1.8 MI E of JCT Ky 1410
RouteState Highway 7
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.22806, -82.83111
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic676 (2019)
Projected traffic676 by 2039
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch carry?

About 676 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Beaverdam Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.